which suggests that Ubuntu 12.04 is capable of finding and installing printer drivers automatically. Although sceptical, I decided to try with my wirelessly-connected Epson PX730WD. It worked ! I used "System Settings / Printing / Add Printer / Find Printer" (roughly speaking) which found the printer as soon as I turned it on. In fact the drivers it found were for a slightly lower spec device - the PX710W - but so far I have not had any difficulties as a result of this.

It did work! I was skeptical because it had already listed the printer (but perhaps this was due to the USB cable). When I added it from the network it worked. Thank you.
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John LehmannNov 25 '12 at 23:52